08 Steering Box
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 849
Likes: 2
From: Southern Florida
I would think that the 05,6,7-08 P/S gears are physically similar and would bolt in. But there is software that controls the Variable Effort Steering VES (Magnasteer II). And that is in the Electronic Brake Control Module EBCM. The EBCM controls the VES. I'm sure that the 08 software is different than previous years. So you might be able to install a 08 gear but you might not have the improved feel unless the gear ratios are different too.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 968
Likes: 2
From: Camp Casey Korea/Austin Tx
I would think that the 05,6,7-08 P/S gears are physically similar and would bolt in. But there is software that controls the Variable Effort Steering VES (Magnasteer II). And that is in the Electronic Brake Control Module EBCM. The EBCM controls the VES. I'm sure that the 08 software is different than previous years. So you might be able to install a 08 gear but you might not have the improved feel unless the gear ratios are different too.
Are we talking plug and play?
Gene,
Any price on the 08 EBCM?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 849
Likes: 2
From: Southern Florida
The EBCM doesn't need to be replaced, just reprogrammed. But that would be a problem because we can only reprogram with the stock software or updated software that's made for the vehicle based off of the VIN. The only way I know of to get around that is to contact GM and request a VCI number. That means they would have to make a custom program for your vehicle (apply the 08 steering software in with the original ABS and suspension software). I would doubt they would go for that based on unforeseen safety issues that could arise. BTW, if you ordered an 08 EBCM it would come unprogrammed.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 30,317
Likes: 165
From: Reading PA
He's correct. I checked into it today and all C6 EBTCM's are the same. They just need different programming. I would think someone in the aftermarket can come up with a way to do this.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,206
Likes: 6
From: Makena, Maui & NM
Well Gene it sounds like we are getting closer.
hmmmm....if anything, it sounds farther away. From a potential $583 steering rack part with supposed plug and play install to now what might be GMautotech's EBCM death sentence.
hmmmm....if anything, it sounds farther away. From a potential $583 steering rack part with supposed plug and play install to now what might be GMautotech's EBCM death sentence.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 968
Likes: 2
From: Camp Casey Korea/Austin Tx
The EBCM doesn't need to be replaced, just reprogrammed. But that would be a problem because we can only reprogram with the stock software or updated software that's made for the vehicle based off of the VIN. The only way I know of to get around that is to contact GM and request a VCI number. That means they would have to make a custom program for your vehicle (apply the 08 steering software in with the original ABS and suspension software). I would doubt they would go for that based on unforeseen safety issues that could arise. BTW, if you ordered an 08 EBCM it would come unprogrammed.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,588
Likes: 6
From: Montreal Qc
Reading through this thread it seems the first step will be for someone to actually swap the rack and see if there is any improvement in steering feel. If there is not a steering improvement, then the next step would be to tackle the programming issue. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
The variable assist was also programmed to give a more natural buildup and not a "step" feel.
To get the benefits from this setup, one will have to get all the pieces together to make it work.
The ratios remain the same and the rack is similar.. so I'm sure someone will get all the pieces together soon enough..
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: North Strand, NMB, SC; Retired x 2 (US Army: 70-90 AD) (US Army: 91-16 DAC); yea, I'm old.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Southern Florida
Safety Car
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From: DFW This user does not support or recommend the product or service displayed in the ad to the right
why wouldn't it? The rack is a revised design with better bearings and tighter tolerances. I have to believe the rack makes a difference or they would not have spent the money to do it. although, I do believe you need the software programming changes to get the full benefit.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 30,317
Likes: 165
From: Reading PA
I am a firm believer in that you will see a great difference in just the rack. I can't see a programming change make the world of difference. It's going to be the internals of the rack that make your big changes.
Last edited by Gene Culley; Oct 13, 2007 at 10:18 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver B.C.
On another Corvette forum I posed the following question and got no useful replies:
I understand from several reviews that the steering rack in the 2008 C6 has been greatly improved over previous versions with better build quality, more precision and much better feel. Does anybody know if the new rack would be a drop-in replacement in a C5? In the parts schematic I looked at they appeared to be the same.
I'm glad to see a vendor who replied here. I got the following from a Vette magazine article:
"The Corvette's precise rack-and-pinion steering system is revised to provide improved feel at all speeds. The revisions are due to a new, premium machining process of the system's internal components, a new, stiffer intermediate shaft and controller calibration changes."
In addition to the rack, there appears to be a new intermediate shaft, but even if the intermediate shaft doesn't retrofit I would expect that the greater precision and build quality of the rack would be an improvement over the C5. My 02 is a base suspension car. Is the power steering cooler from the Z51 available to retrofit as well?
James
I understand from several reviews that the steering rack in the 2008 C6 has been greatly improved over previous versions with better build quality, more precision and much better feel. Does anybody know if the new rack would be a drop-in replacement in a C5? In the parts schematic I looked at they appeared to be the same.
I'm glad to see a vendor who replied here. I got the following from a Vette magazine article:
"The Corvette's precise rack-and-pinion steering system is revised to provide improved feel at all speeds. The revisions are due to a new, premium machining process of the system's internal components, a new, stiffer intermediate shaft and controller calibration changes."
In addition to the rack, there appears to be a new intermediate shaft, but even if the intermediate shaft doesn't retrofit I would expect that the greater precision and build quality of the rack would be an improvement over the C5. My 02 is a base suspension car. Is the power steering cooler from the Z51 available to retrofit as well?
James
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 4
From: Central Coast CA
